B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A RCHITECTURE
®
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
®
MODEL
®
PSW
800
SUBWOOFER
Congratulations!
Thank you for choosing a Niles loudspeaker. With proper installation and operation,
you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use.
The PSW800 wall mount subwoofer is uniquely designed to provide unobtrusive low
frequency augmentation. The selectable high and low-pass filters make it suitable for use
with a wide variety of satellite speakers.
Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components
and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full line catalog write: Niles, Catalog
Request, P.O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818
©1999 Niles Audio Corporation. Because Niles strives to continuously improve its products, Niles reserves the right to
change product specifications without notice. Niles, the Niles logo, Blueprint Series In-Wall Loudspeakers, and Blending
High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. QuickSnap, and MicroPerf are
trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Dolby is a
registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dynamat is a trademark of Dynamic Control.
DS00206A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES AND BENEFITS 2
HOW MANY SUBWOOFERS? 4
CONNECTIONS 5
IMPEDANCE 7
TREATMENT & PLACEMENT 9
INSTALLATION FUNDAMENTALS 10
INSTALLATION IN NEW CONSTRUCTION 14
INSTALLATION IN EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 15
FINAL INSTALLATION IN NEW OR EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 16
OPERATION 18
SPECIFICATIONS 19
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD 21
LIMITED WARRANTY 22
2
Features and Benefits
The PSW800 In-wall subwoofer includes an easy
access, baffle mounted high-pass filter to pre-
vent over-excursion of the satellite’s woofers.
The PSW800 In-wall subwoofer includes an
easy access, baffle mounted low-pass frequen-
cy selection switch.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Features and Benefits
Mica-Filled, Dual Voice Coil
Polypropylene Woofer
The mica-filled polypropylene woofer uti-
lized in the PSW800 is optimized for tran-
sient speed and dynamics. The mica filling
adds just the right amount of stiffness while
at the same time reducing the overall cone
weight. This combination offers phenome-
nal rigidity and stiffness-to-mass character-
istics that make it especially suited for low
frequency reproduction. Niles speaker
engineers have coupled this exceptional
cone material with a dual voice-coil drive
system that enables installers to custom
configure single or double woofer systems
to a stereo amplifier.
Figure 1
Model PSW800 Shown
New Construction Wings
Bracket
Frame
SpeakerBaffle
IR Knockout
Grille
Inverted Dust Cap
The inverted dust cap feature of the
PSW800 actually reinforces the cone to fur-
ther increase the stiffness-to-mass ratio and
reduce distortion. In a subwoofer applica-
tion, this dust cap inversion offers the addi-
tional benefit of reducing the “oil can” effect
that can cause traditional woofers to pro-
duce unwanted high frequency overtones.
High Power Handling
The PSW800 employs an exceptionally
heavy-duty magnet/voice-coil/spider assem-
bly that is capable of handling high power
amplifiers (up to 150 watts).
Infinite Baffle Design
The PSW800 is designed for optimum low
frequency reproduction in a traditional 2x4
stud wall with varying air volumes. It does
not require a special enclosure to provide
high performance.
Selectable Low-Pass Filter
Installers can select to roll off the high fre-
quencies from the PSW800 at 12dB per
octave at either 100Hz or 140Hz. This
selection is accomplished via baffle-mount-
ed controls that are accessible even after the
subwoofer has been installed.
Selectable High-Pass Filter
Installers can also select whether or not to fil-
ter the low frequencies from the satellite
speakers at a fixed frequency of 120Hz. Like
the low-pass filter, this selection is accessed
via baffle mounted controls.
Weatherproof Construction
All components of the PSW800 are weather-
proof. The aluminum grille and stainless steel
mounting screws are rustproof. This makes
the subwoofer ideal for moist environments
which would cause some brands of speakers
to discolor. Protected outdoor installations are
perfectly suited for the PSW800.
MicroPerf
™
Grilles
The PSW800 employs Niles’ exclusive
MicroPerf grille construction. The excep-
tionally tight hole pattern provides
acoustic transparency at all audio fre-
quencies and enables the woofer element
to remain invisible. MicroPerf grilles can
be painted to blend seamlessly with the
surrounding decor.
14 AWG Input/Output Terminals
The PSW800 is equipped with both left and
right speaker level input terminals to accom-
modate a stereo amplifier driving a single
subwoofer. Output terminals are also provid-
ed to utilize the switchable low-pass filter and
provide for convenient wiring to the satellite
speakers.
Easy Retrofit Installation in your
Existing Home
Designed for ease of installation, the Niles
mounting system makes retrofit installations
simple and fast. A supplied template assures
fast and accurate hole cutting. The bracket
slips behind the drywall and the screws
secure the bracket to the frame, sandwich-
ing the drywall between them. The speaker
baffle attaches to the frame, and the grille
mounts over the speaker.
Three Stage Installation System for
Remodels or New Construction
You install only the parts you need for a
particular stage of construction. When the
framing and wiring are finished, you
install the
bracket. After the drywall is up,
but before the painter begins to paint, you
install the
frame and provide the rustproof
aluminum
grilles to the painter so that
they can be painted to match the sur-
roundings. Only when construction is
completely finished do you put the valu-
able
speaker in the wall. You don’t have
to mask or prep the speaker for painting,
and worries about theft during the final
phases of construction are never an issue!
Features and Benefits
3
How Many Subwoofers?
4
How Many Subwoofers?
For most applications a single PSW800’s is
appropriate. However, in large rooms, high
performance listening rooms or in home
theaters, an array of two or more PSW800
will deliver astounding results. Unlike
other subwoofer systems, a Niles
Subwoofer Array is concealed. Consider
the distance between the subwoofer(s) and
the listener, the size of the amplifier, and
the desired quality and volume of sound
when deciding how many PSW800s to
install in your home.
Single Stereo Subwoofer
One PSW800 can produce the bass sound
from both the left and the right channels
because of its unique dual voice coil
design. One voice coil powers the left chan-
nel and the other powers the right channel.
A stereo crossover divides the signal and fil-
ters it according to the settings of the switch-
es on the front panel. A single stereo sub-
woofer is compatible with any 4 ohm stable
amplifier. Eight ohm stable amplifiers may
be used with a Niles IM volume control (see
Impedance section on Page 7)
Dual Subwoofer Systems
Using two PSW800 subwoofers in a sys-
tem raises the maximum attainable volume
of the system by 3dB. Additionally, at
lower volumes, excursion — and therefore
distortion levels — are reduced. In a large
room, or a home theater system, the effect
on bass quality is extremely desirable.
Another 2dB increase is possible if the
voice coils of each are PSW800 paralleled.
This requires a multi-channel amplifier or
an amplifier capable of driving the 2 to 2.6
ohm load of the overall system.
VLSA Installations
A Very Large Subwoofer Array (VLSA)
installation lowers the amount of excur-
sion required to achieve a high sound
pressure level. Lowering excursion dra-
matically improves the quality of the
sound. VLSA installations are most appro-
priate when the listener appreciates detail
and bass extension, but must have a con-
cealed installation. A VLSA of four sub-
woofers must have a multi-channel ampli-
fier with one channel assigned to each
subwoofer.
(See Figure 7).
Decibels and Power
65dB Conversation at three feet.
75dB Sewing Machine at three feet.
85dB Vacuum Cleaner at 10 feet.
95dB Subway Train entering a station
at 20 feet.
3dB The smallest difference in volume
the human ear can easily detect.
10dB Perceived as twice as much loud-
ness if it is an increase (half as
much if it is a decrease).
Any speaker requires twice as much
amplifier power to increase 3dB and ten
times as much power to increase 10dB.
Comparison of 1, 2 or 4 Subwoofers
16’ x 18’ x 8’ Room @ 12’
25 Watts 100
Watts
1 Sub 95dB 101dB
2 Subs 100dB 106dB
VLSA of 4 Subs 103dB 109dB
2 x Watts = 3dB Increase in Volume.
2 x Subs = 3dB Increase in Volume.
2 x Subs = 1/2 the subwoofer excursion for
the same volume.
If you double the distance from the sub-
woofer to the primary listening position
you decrease the volume by 4 to 6dB.
Connections
Single Stereo Subwoofer
A four conductor wire (Left+, Left-, Right+
and Right-) 16 gauge or larger is run from
the amplifier location to the local volume
control.
(SeeFigure4).
From the local volume control, the four
conductor cable is run to the PSW800 and
connected to the Input connectors. A two
conductor wire is connected to each of the
stereo outputs and fed to the left and right
speakers. Now, the volume control will
raise and lower the volume for the sub-
woofer and the left and right speakers
simultaneously. Additionally, the crossover
is now connected so that the crossover
switches can be adjusted.
Dual Subwoofer Systems
A four conductor wire (Left+, Left-, Right+
and Right-) 16 gauge or larger is run from
the amplifier location to the local volume
control.
(SeeFigure5).
From the local volume control, a two con-
ductor cable is run to each of the PSW800s
and connected to either the left or the right
Input connectors.
Each of the satellite speakers must be con-
nected to the correct subwoofer. Typically,
a two conductor wire is connected from the
left channel output on the left channel sub-
woofer and fed to the left satellite speaker
and another two conductor wire connects
from the right channel subwoofer output to
the right channel satellite.
5
Connections
LEFT IN
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
RIGHT IN
L
L
WF WF
R
SW2
SW1
C
H
H
C
L
—
+
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
LEFT IN
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
RIGHT IN
L
L
WF WF
R
SW2
SW1
C
H
H
C
L
—
+
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
Left Right
PSW800 PSW800
Amplifier
Either
Input
OK
Wire to
Corresponding
Output
Satellite Speaker Satellite Speaker
LEFT IN
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
RIGHT IN
L
L
WF WF
R
SW2
SW1
C
H
H
C
L
—
+
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
LEFT IN
LEFT OUT
RIGHT OUT
RIGHT IN
L
L
WF WF
R
SW2
SW1
C
H
H
C
L
—
+
PSW-800 PASSIVESUBWOOFER Niles Audio Corporation, Inc.
Left Right
PSW800 PSW800
Amplifier
Either
Input
OK
Wire to
Corresponding
Output
Satellite Speaker Satellite Speaker
Figure 4
A Single PSW800 Hook-Up
Figure 5
A Dual PSW800 Hook-Up
6
Connections
Now, the volume control will raise and
lower the volume for the subwoofer and
the left and right speakers simultaneously.
Additionally, the crossovers are now con-
nected so that the crossover switches can
be adjusted to your requirements. You must
adjust the crossovers on each subwoofer
with this hook-up.
Optionally, a jumper of wire may be con-
nected between the L+ and the R+; and
between the L- and the R-. This connects
both voice coils of the PSW800, giving
you a 2dB increase in output. Since each
subwoofer’s impedance drops from 8
Ω to
4
Ω, make sure your amplifier is 2Ω stable
to accommodate the satellite speaker’s
impedance.
(See Figure 6).
Very Large Subwoofer Array
(VLSA)
Using four or more PSW800 subwoofers
in a system creates a system of unprece-
dented clarity, with stunning bass impact
and potentially extraordinary maximum
volume capability. Because of the
extremely low impedance of a parallel
VLSA system, multiple channel amplifiers
are normally used to power them.
Because of this, in-wall volume controls
are incompatible with VLSA systems.
In a system of this type, it is recommended
that the satellite speakers be driven full
range (or with an external electronic
crossover) by a separate amplifier channel.
Connections are straight-forward; two
conductor wires connect each amplifier
channel to each individual subwoofer.
(SeeFigure7).
Each PSW800 has a jumper installed to
parallel the voice coils for maximum effi-
ciency.
(SeeFigure6).
The crossover controls on each subwoofer
affect only the subwoofer response. Level
controls on the amplifiers facilitate blend-
ing and compensation for placement.
Speaker Wire
For most applications, we recommend you
use 16 or 18 gauge wire. For wiring runs
longer than 80 feet we recommend 14
gauge wire. The spring loaded terminals of
the PSW800 speakers will accommodate
up to 12 gauge wire directly. Larger sizes
can be accommodated via pin connectors.
When you run wire inside walls, special
jacketing (CL-2 or CL-3) is required to both
protect the wire and for fire prevention. In
some areas conduit is required. For a trou-
ble-free installation, low voltage wire such
as speaker wire must be run in accordance
with the National Electrical Code and any
applicable provisions of the local building
code. Consult your local Niles dealer or
your building contractor if you are unsure
of code requirements in your area.
Figure 6
Connecting the two voice coils in parallel with a
jumper (a piece of speaker wire).
LEFT— IN
RIGHT— IN
L
WF WF
SW2
SW1
C
H
H
C
L
–
PSW-800 PASSIVE SUBWOOFER
SI-1230
Subwoofers
Figure 7
Connections to a VLSA are normally made from
each PSW800 to a multi-channel amplifier like
the Niles SI-1230 twelve-channel amplifier.
Impedance
With One or Two Subwoofers
When one or two PSW800 subwoofers
are connected to the satellite speakers, the
overall system impedance to the amplifier
lowers.
System Impedance in Ohms (Ω)
One or Two Subwoofers
8
Ω Sats 4Ω Sats
1 Sub 4
Ω 2.6Ω
2 Subs @8Ω each 4Ω 2.6Ω
2 Subs @4Ω each 2.6Ω 2Ω
If the impedance is too low for your ampli-
fier, utilize a Niles speaker selector or IM
volume control to match the impedance.
VLSA (Four or More Subwoofers)
A VLSA installation lowers the amount of
excursion required to achieve a high
sound pressure level. Lowering excursion
dramatically improves the quality of the
sound. VLSA installations are most appro-
priate when the listener appreciates detail
and bass extension, but must have a con-
cealed installation.
Each subwoofer should have its voice
coils connected in parallel for full output,
therefore
the impedance of each is four
ohms
. Because of this low impedance, a
multi-channel amplifier stable to four
ohms is the best way to drive more than
two subwoofers. Each PSW800 is con-
nected to its own channel of the multi-
channel amplifier.
Check Your Amplifier’s Specs
Every amplifier has a minimum impedance
specification. Check your owner’s manual
for the specification for four ohm low
impedance drive capability. If there is no
clear indication and your amplifier or
receiver has two sets of speaker terminals
(typically labeled “A” and “B”) your ampli-
fier may be capable of driving a four ohm
load. Perform the following test to be sure:
Parallel/Serial Speaker Connection Test
1. Hook up one pair of speakers to the “A”
speaker terminals of your amplifier.
Leave the “B” terminals unconnected to
speakers.
2. Engage both the “A” and the “B”. Listen
for sound.
If your amplifier plays sound when “A”
and “B” are engaged, it is capable of dri-
ving a four ohm speaker load. If your
amplifier does not play sound when “A”
and “B” are selected, it is only capable of
driving an eight ohm speaker load. An
eight ohm stable amplifier may only be
used with a PSW800 satellite/subwoofer
system by installing an impedance magni-
fying volume control.
An amplifier stable to four ohms may be
connected without impedance matching
devices. Parallel connections via the “A”
speaker terminals to one or two PSW800
subwoofers (If the voice coils are not in par-
allel) and one pair of eight ohm satellite
speakers results in a four ohm load.
The “B” speaker terminals cannot be used
to power a second pair of speakers any-
more.
The low impedance drive capability
of your amplifier is already utilized by the
satellite/subwoofer combination. If you are
connecting other speakers in other rooms
you must install either a speaker selector or
impedance magnifying volume controls.
A few professional/audiophile amplifiers
advertise the capability of driving two
ohm speaker loads. These amplifiers may
be used without impedance matching
devices if the rating is quoted as “RMS” or
“Continuous” power.
7
Impedance
Using Speaker Selectors With
Standard Volume Controls
In multi-room systems with standard vol-
ume controls any
Niles speaker selector
will maintain a four ohm load if you leave
one set of room outputs unused for every
speaker system with an impedance of less
than four ohms (such as a PSW800 con-
nected to a pair of four ohm satellite
speakers). The protection switch must be
constantly engaged. Niles HDL series
speaker selectors have a rear panel con-
stant protection feature.
(SeeFigure8).
The benefit of a speaker selector is that
even with the protection circuit constant-
ly engaged, more power will be delivered
to any single pair of speakers playing by
itself (all other speakers off).
In a multi-room system there is one indis-
pensible control for true convenience—a
local volume control. It allows you to
adjust the volume of the speakers and the
subwoofer without leaving the room.
Niles makes a wide range of high perfor-
mance indoor and outdoor volume controls
in Standard or Decora
®
style face plates
(just like your light switches and dimmers).
All of these volume controls enable full
power to be delivered to each speaker sys-
tem when turned all the way up.
The combination of a speaker selector and
a standard volume control will deliver
high volume when only one pair of speak-
ers is playing.
Using Impedance Magnifying
Volume Controls
The simplest way to increase the imped-
ance of a satellite/subwoofer system is to
install a Niles VCS-2D-IM or VCS-2S-IM
impedance magnifying volume control
instead of a standard volume control. This
control has a behind the wall jumper which
is set at the time of installation to “magnify”
the speaker system’s impedance.
(SeeFigure9).
For example: In the two times position, an
IM volume control will enable an eight
ohm stable amplifier to play a 4 ohm
speaker system without overheating. The
available power will decrease, which you
will perceive as a 3dB drop in maximum
undistorted volume.
If the jumper is set to the 4x position, a
6dB drop in volume will be perceived.
If the jumper is set to the 8x position, a
9dB drop in volume will be perceived.
A 10dB drop is perceived as half as loud,
so there are limits to the amount of magni-
fication you can use unless the amplifier is
very powerful (3dB increase every time
you double the power) or you never listen
at high volumes. Consult the Decibels and
Power chart on page 4.
8
Impedance
16x
MAGNIFICATION
FA CT O R
JP1 (LEFT)
8x
4x
2x
16x
MAGNIFICATION
FA CT O R
(RIGHT) JP2
8x
4x
2x
➟
Figure 8
Setting the constant protection switch on the
Rear Panel of a Niles HDL series speaker
selection system.
Treatment & Placement
Typically, sheetrock encloses the sub-
woofer in most installations. Sheetrock has
a fairly loud resonant “twang” compared
to the rigid non-resonant enclosures of
most floor standing subwoofers. None of
the following modifications are absolutely
necessary, however any one or combina-
tion of them will improve the performance
of the subwoofer.
Minimum Enclosure Size
The PSW800 will produce magnificent
results if the wall cavity behind the woofer
is a minimum of 1900 cubic inches. If the
wall studs center measure
4” deep (2x4) and are spaced 14-1/4” apart
(16” spacing) you would want the length of
the air cavity to be a minimum of 33-1/3”.
A larger cavity is fine.
Insulation
Lay a batten of fiberglass insulation (e.g.R-19
un-batted insulation) behind of the speaker.
If you have more than one subwoofer in the
room, place the same amount of insulation
behind each subwoofer. If your enclosure is
smaller than the recommended 1900 cubic
inches, try packing more insulation into the
space behind the speaker. This effectively
increases the enclosure size.
Enclosure Bracing
Insert small pieces of 1x2 or 1x1 scrap
wood as wedges between the front and
back panels of sheetrock if possible. Do
not use too long of a piece as you could
create a bulge in the wall surface.
Enclosure Lining
Purchase some subwoofer damping materi-
al from a car stereo store (there are various
brands available, e.g. Dynamat
™
). Apply
the damping material to the back of the
wall behind the PSW800 and to the
sheetrock surrounding the wall beside the
subwoofer.
Speaker Placement Techniques
Although the PSW800 has extensive ability
to compensate for unusual placements with
its crossover switches; placement is still the
primary tool for satisfying your particular
listening needs.
Maximizing Output
The Boundary Effect – Placing your sub-
woofer near the floor or in a corner will
increase the volume of bass sound pro-
duced by the subwoofer! This is called the
boundary effect. Generally, you can
expect a 3dB increase in sound pressure
level by harnessing the boundary effect.
Proximity – Place the subwoofer as close
as possible to the primary listening posi-
tion. Sound dissipates indoors at approxi-
mately 4dB to 6dB for each time you dou-
ble the distance from the subwoofer to the
listener. Therefore you can expect a 4dB to
6dB increase in output every time you
halve the distance from the subwoofer to
the listener.
Improving the Stereo Image
Place the subwoofer(s) as close as possible
to the satellite speakers.
9
Treatment & Placement
Installation Fundamentals
Introduction
If you have doubts about whether you are
capable of installing an in-wall speaker,
consult a Niles dealer or professional
installer. They have special tools, tech-
niques, and experience to make the impos-
sible possible. The installer can provide you
with an estimate before any work is done.
Running the Speaker Wire in
New Construction
Plan to schedule the speaker wiring after
the electrical wiring is finished. That way
you can avoid wire routes which could
potentially induce hum over the speaker
wire. The basic rules are:
• Never run speaker wire through the
same hole as an electrical cable.
• Never run speaker wire into the same
J-box as electrical cable.
• Avoid running the speaker wire beside the
electrical cable. Keep it at least three or four
feet away from any electrical power cable.
Side-by-side wiring is unavoidable in partic-
ular spots in every house, just move the
speaker wire route away as soon as possible.
If construction forces a side by side run for
more than ten feet, install metal conduit or
shielded speaker wire. Low-voltage wires
such as doorbells, intercoms, telephone,
security, or television cannot cause interfer-
ence or hum on your speaker wires, so you
can safely run all of them at the same time,
through the same holes, side-by-side.
Before you drill any holes, mount p-rings
or open backed J-boxes where the vol-
ume controls and stereo equipment will
be. If you are using the optional 800 New
Construction Bracket kit-(FG00321)
attach the wings and install them as
instructed on pg.14, Installation in New
Construction.
(See Figure 15 and 16).
Safety First!
Wear gloves, safety goggles and head pro-
tection when drilling
. Avoid nails, they
ruin bits and they can cause injury.
Drilling
Use a bit that is large enough for the wires
you plan to run. An auger bit is the pre-
ferred bit for rough-in wiring. It will actual-
ly pull itself through the wood, so that the
drill motor, not you, does most of the
work. You will be drilling a lot of holes, so
this is important.
Always drill the holes in the center of the
stud. If you have to notch the stud or drill
the hole closer than one inch from the edge
of the stud, protect the wire with a nail
plate
(See Figure 10).
When drilling holes in ceiling joists drill in
the center of the joists and try to locate the
hole near the end of the joist. DO NOT
drill through a “gluelam” or any load bear-
ing beam without the direction of your
contractor.
Try to line the holes up perfectly, because it
makes pulling the wire much easier.
10
Installation Fundamentals
Figure 10
11
Installation Fundamentals
A good technique is to snap a chalk line
across the face of the studs or against the
bottom of the ceiling joists. Then work
backward so that you can always see the
holes you have already drilled. Paying care-
ful attention to this will save you a lot of
time later on!
Pulling the Cable
Pull the cable in sections (from the stereo to
the volume control, from the volume con-
trol to the speaker). Start with the longest
sections and use left over wire to complete
the short sections. If you plan to pull many
rooms at the same time through a central
route, walk off the distance to each destina-
tion, add a generous fudge factor for turns
and other obstacles, then cut off each sec-
tion so that you have a bundle of wires you
can pull at once.
Whenever you run the wire further than
four and one half feet from a hole in a stud
or joist (open attic space, going up walls,
etc.), fasten the wire to the joists or studs
using cable clamps or appropriately sized
wire staples. The wire should not have
large sags in it, nor should it be too tight.
Try to protect the wire from being stepped
on in attics or other unfinished crawl
spaces. There are guard strips, raceways
and conduits which can be used to protect
the cable. Consult the local building code
for special requirements in your area.
Concealing Speaker Wire in
Existing Walls
This is actually a fairly simple task if you
restrict your choice of speaker locations
and wire routes to the ceilings or interior
walls of your home. Interior walls in almost
all North American residences are hollow,
so it is easy to flush mount speakers into
them and route new speaker cable around
the house. What you see when you look at
the painted wall board, plaster, or paneling
is only the skin of the wall. Behind the skin
is the skeleton; two-by-four wood or metal
“studs” running vertically from the floor to
the ceiling in walls and two-by-six or larger
“joists” running horizontally in the ceilings
and floors. In between the studs and the
joists is the space for the wiring and plumb-
ing of your home.
Exterior walls are different. They must insu-
late the house from the heat and cold out-
side, so they are stuffed with insulation. The
national building code requires that the hol-
low wall space in exterior walls be broken
by a horizontal stud placed between the
vertical studs. This “fire blocking” makes it
very difficult to retrofit long lengths of wire.
In some areas of the country the exterior
walls are constructed of solid masonry, and
have no hollow space for speaker wires.
Start by examining all the possible routes
you might take to run the speaker wire
from the speaker to the volume control
and back to the stereo. Use a stud sensor
or other device to locate the internal
structure of the wall. You want to avoid
all studs or joists. A typical route would
be: from the speaker location up the
inside of the wall to a new hole drilled
into the top “plate” (horizontal two-by-
four at the top of the inside of the wall),
into the attic crawl space, then down to
the volume control location through
another top plate, back up to the attic,
across the attic, and finally down anoth-
er plate to the wall behind the stereo sys-
tem itself
(See Figure 11). The other
very common route is through the bot-
tom plate of the wall into an unfinished
basement or crawl space.
12
Installation Fundamentals
Identify where all of your electrical,
phone, and TV wiring is likely to be and
plan to route around it all. You can acci-
dentally induce 60 Hz hum on your
speakers if you run your speaker wire right
beside electrical wire for more than a few
feet. Try to keep speaker wire running par-
allel to power cables at least 3 feet away.
To find exactly where an electrical cable is
routed, try inspecting the inside of the wall
by turning off the breaker for a particular
power outlet or switch, removing the
cover plate and switch or
receptacle, and shining a
penlight into the wall. If you
have access to an attic or
basement space you can
quickly see which part of the
wall space the wire is free of
obstructions
(See Figure 12).
When you don’t have access
above or below the wall, try
to estimate the existing wire
and pipe locations from the
positions of electrical outlets
and plumbed fixtures on both
sides of the wall. Take a look
at the outside of your house
too, sometimes conduit, vents
or drain pipe will be visible
that give useful information.
Choose the route with the
fewest potential obstacles.
If your house is built on a slab or you are
wiring between two finished floors, look
for baseboards which could be removed
and replaced with the wire behind them.
Doorjambs can be removed and often
have enough space for speaker wire all
the way around the door
(See Figure 13).
Sometimes, an under-the-carpet run is
possible (there are special flat speaker
wires made for under-the-rug wire runs).
As a last resort, heating and air condition-
ing vents can be used as wire raceways for
Figure 11
Figure 12
Unobstructed space
for speaker wiring
Speaker
Location
Volume
Control
Location
Stereo
Location
13
Installation Fundamentals
plenum rated wire (check your local
building codes, some municipalities
require conduit).
In traditional wood stud/drywall construc-
tion you can cut the hole for the speaker
and utilize the large hole to auger holes
across, up or down the wall for as far as
your drill bit will take you. If you have
matching paint and take reasonable care in
patching you can cut a hatch in the dry-
wall at each stud, run your wire, and patch
and touch-up the wall
(See Figure 14).
When you are dealing with the unknown
because of the structure of your home, or
with difficult to patch wall materials like
plaster, lath and plaster, faux finishes,
wallpaper etc., be patient. A careful study
of the potential problems before you start
the job will pay off.
Figure 13
Figure 14
Installation in New
Construction
Stage One: Before Drywall is Hung
Insulating the Wall Cavity.
If feasible, fill the wall cavity with insulation
at this point
.
Mounting The Model 800
New Construction Bracket
The hole saving bracket enables a faster
and cleaner final installation of the speaker.
It forces the drywall installer to cut out the
speaker hole for you and provides wire ties
for the speaker wire, reducing the risks of
accidental loss or movement of the wire. In
addition, it enables you to align your speak-
ers with other ceiling fixtures with great
accuracy since you can really see exactly
where the speaker will be.
To install the bracket, first attach the
QuickSnap
™
new construction wings to the
bracket by snapping them into the sides of
the bracket. The wings can be shortened by
breaking them along the scored lines if their
length will interfere with a corner or eaves.
The wings and brackets have centering lines
to simplify the placement of the speaker.
Screw one side of the assembled bracket
with wings to the joist using one of the
supplied screws. Level the bracket. Screw
the other side of the bracket/wing assem-
bly to the joist. Two screws on each side
makes for a very secure installation.
Secure the wire to the bracket using the
bracket’s wire tie
(See Figure 15). The
drywall installers will cut the drywall to
the exact size of the bracket.
14
Installation in New Construction
Figure 15
New Construction Wings
Bracket
Frame
Grille
15
Installation In Existing Construction
Installation of
Brackets, Frames
and Grilles in
Existing Walls
IMPORTANT: Before you cut into any
wall, review the sections on running
wire and speaker placement.
1. Drill a 1/8” pilot hole just barely
through the wallboard or dry wall (1/2” to
5/8” deep in most homes) about an inch
below the center of your proposed speak-
er location (an inch to the side if you are
mounting the speaker horizontally). BE
VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DRILL
THROUGH EXISTING WIRES, PIPES, OR
STRUCTURE. IF YOU FEEL ANY EXTRA
RESISTANCE AS YOU ARE DRILLING,
STOP. Cut a piece of coat hanger equal to
the width of the bracket. Bend the wire in
half creating a right angle. Poke the “L-
shaped” wire into the pilot hole and turn it
in a complete circle. If it turns freely,
repeat the procedure from a hole about an
inch above the center of your proposed
speaker location
(See Figure 16).
If the wires movement is obstructed by a
pipe or cable, fill the hole (s) with spackle
or other patching compound and try
another location.
2. When determining the final location of
the cutout keep in mind that the frame
and bracket will extend beyond the
cutout. Make sure that you do not place
the edge of the cutout directly next to a
stud. Locate the studs using a stud sensor
or hand-knocking. Once you have deter-
mined the correct position for the cutout,
hold the supplied template up to the wall
surface. Level the template in either the
horizontal or the vertical position and
mark the wall with a pencil.
Drill the four corners with a
1/4” drill bit.
3. If you are cutting a painted
or wall papered drywall use
a sheetrock or keyhole saw.
Cut the hole with the saw at
a 45 degree angle. That way,
Figure 16
Figure 17
the drywall section can be replaced clean-
ly if there is an unseen obstruction behind
the wall. BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO
SAW THROUGH EXISTING WIRES, PIPES,
OR STRUCTURE. IF YOU FEEL ANY
EXTRA RESISTANCE AS YOU ARE CUT-
TING, STOP.
4. If you are cutting into lath and plaster
walls, use masking tape to outline your
penciled marks, drill the four corners with
a 1/4” bit and use a razor to score the
plaster down to the lath beneath. Then use
a chisel to remove all of the plaster within
the taped outline. Finally, insert a metal
cutting blade into a sabre saw and very
slowly and carefully saw the lath. Sawing
the lath can easily vibrate plaster off the
wall. If you have the patience, use a pair
of tin snips to slowly nip away at the lath
instead. There is no risk with this method,
it is just time consuming.
16
Final Installation In New Or Existing Construction
Final Installation
in New or Existing
Construction
1. If it is possible to lay a batt of insulation
into the wall cavity, do so. Remember to
use equal amounts of insulation for each
speaker. Install any other wall cavity
improvements or modifications at this time.
2. Separate the speaker wire so that at least
two inches of each conductor are free.
3. Strip one half inch of insulation from the
end of each conductor of the speaker wire.
4. If you have gold pin connectors which
you wish to use, affix them to the stripped
wire ends now.
5. Connect one stripped wire end of the
wire connected to the amplifiers right chan-
nel output to the black and one to the red
input terminals labeled for the right chan-
nel. Pay attention to the markings on the
wire. Repeat for the left channel.
6. Connect the wire which runs to the
satellite speakers to the left and right output
terminals. Pay attention to the markings on
the wire.
7. Slip the mounting bracket through the
hole and pull it toward you so that its front
edge slides into the hole and stops in place.
8. Attach the frame to the bracket by screw-
ing the frame to the bracket using the sup-
plied screws. Do not overtighten the screws,
this will distort the frame and the grilles will
not fit (this is not permanent, just loosen the
screws and the grille will pop in). The
screws should pull the frame and bracket
together (sandwiching the drywall) so that
the frame is absolutely flush with the wall
surface. There should be no gaps between
the wall and the frame
(See Figure 17).
9. Installing a Niles MS
-1 MicroSensor
™
There is a 1/2" round molded "IR Sensor
Knockout" on the face of the speaker baf-
fle. To prevent damage to the crossover
network you must remove the knockout
from the rear of the speaker. Do not
attempt to remove the knockout with the
speaker face up. Lay the speaker face
down on a clean carpet or rug. Put the tip
of a screwdriver into the center of the
round "knockout" and sharply tap the
screwdriver handle as necessary. Install
the MS-1 using its mounting hex nut and
washer so that it is tightly secured to the
speaker. Connect all wires and continue
your installation.
10. Setting the High-Pass Filter
When the “SAT” filter is in the CUT posi-
tion, all of the bass energy will be pro-
duced via the PSW800. When the switch
is in the FULL position, both the satellite
speakers and the PSW800 will reproduce
the bass signal. Typically, satellites with
woofers that are 5-1/4” or smaller will
sound best with the filter on. Listen to a
loud and well recorded bass passage to
evaluate.
11. Setting the Subwoofer Low-Pass Filter
With the “SUB” switch in the 100Hz posi-
tion, the PSW800 will only reproduce
bass below one hundred cycles. When the
switch is in the 140Hz position, the
PSW800 will reproduce bass below 140
cycles. Depending on the size of the
room, the type of satellite speaker and the
subwoofer position, you will prefer one
setting to the other. Listen to a loud and
well recorded bass passage to evaluate.
12. Install the grille into the speaker. The
grilles should fit snugly. If you have difficulty
fitting them in, try loosening the screws used
to secure the frame to the bracket slightly
(excessive tightening can distort the shape of
the frame holding the grille in place).
Painting the Speakers
All models may be painted. The plastic will
readily accept most paints.
The subwoofers must be masked prior to
painting them. The inside rectangular por-
tion of the hole template can be used as a
paint mask. Remove the outside portion of
the template by gently pulling along the
perforation. Affix the mask to the front of
the speaker by friction-fitting the mask into
the bezel.
The grilles should be painted before they
are installed. For all models, the best
results will be obtained by using a spray
gun or airless sprayer, thinning the paint
(prevents clogging of grille holes), and by
applying several light coats instead of one
heavy one.
Speaker/Subwoofer Phase
Speaker wire has two conductors. One
conductor is attached to the negative (–)
terminals and one conductor is attached to
the positive (+) terminals of both your
speaker and your amplifier. Usually, the
wire is marked for your convenience.
There are different ways wires are marked:
a stripe on one wire, a ribbed area of one
conductor you can only feel, different col-
ors of metal wire on each conductor, or
there might be a fabric strand or string
wound into one of the conductors. Of
course, there are some wires which appear
completely identical. Be careful, or you
might make a mistake.
If you make a mistake, there are three pos-
sibilities:
1) Subwoofer Input Phase Reversal
The Left Input of the subwoofer is out of
phase with the Right Input. If this is the
case, you will hear almost no output out of
the subwoofer when playing a loud bass
passage. Try reversing one of the subwoofer
inputs. If the sound gets a great deal louder,
that was the problem. If bass sound was
reduced, return the connections to their
original state.
2) Subwoofer /Satellite Relative Phasing
An acoustically out-of-phase sat/sub combi-
nation works against each other and the
sound of the overall system will be lacking
in bass. This might be because of the
posi-
tion of the subwoofer
rather than an error in
wiring. Try reversing the phase of both the
left and the right outputs of the subwoofer.
Make sure you evaluate (listen) from the
primary listening position.
17
Final Installation In New Or Existing Construction
3) Satellite Left-Right Phase Reversal
If the right satellite is reversed in phase from
the connections on the left satellite, you
will hear reduced bass and a “phasey” dif-
fused vocal image. If you suspect the sound
is not right and you cannot see any mark-
ings on the wire, try this simple test:
1. Stand half way between the two satellite
speakers.
2. Play some vocal music with the amplifier
or radio set to Mono.
3. Listen to the apparent placement of the
vocals.
4. Turn off the amplifier and reverse one of
the connections on the subwoofer.
5. Repeat the listening test with the same
setting of the volume control. When
the sound has a richer bass, is slightly
louder and the vocal image is
“focused” the satellites are working
together or “in-phase”.
18
Operation
Operation
Congratulations
A concealed PSW800 subwoofer installa-
tion frees you to use your tone controls,
play the system loudly and enjoy deep
extended bass, even if your satellite speak-
ers are small. When used with satellite
speakers that have substantial bass of their
own, the PSW800 tightens the deep tones
and augments the bass musically.
Listening at Higher Volumes
It requires more power to achieve a reason-
able volume of sound in a large room than
it does in a small room. It is possible (even
if you are not a teenager) to turn the vol-
ume so high that the amplifier
runs out of
power
. This creates “clipping” distortion. If
you are using an extremely powerful ampli-
fier it may be possible to hear clicking or
buzzing sounds from the subwoofer as it
tries to reproduce too loud a sound. If you
hear these sounds turn the volume down.
More typically you will hear clipping dis-
tortion through your satellite speakers.
Clipping distortion makes treble sound very
harsh and unmusical. When you hear harsh
sounding treble from any good speaker,
turn the volume down immediately! Those
harsh sounds are masking some much
more powerful ultra-high-frequency sound
spikes which will quickly damage any fine
loudspeaker. You are much less likely to
damage a speaker with a large amplifier
because it will be very loud indeed before
it produces any clipping distortion.
Cleaning
You can clean the speaker with a damp-
ened soft cloth or paper towel. If the speak-
er is mounted high up on the wall, use a
broom to gently brush it off.
Specifications
Model PSW800
Driver Complement
8” Mica-filled polypropylene dual voice coil
woofer with inverted butyl-rubber suspension
and dust cap
Design Principle
Infinite baffle for large and varying air volumes
Recommended Amplifier Power
Ten to one hundred fifty watts per channel
Impedance
8 Ohm - Single Subwoofer in Stereo
4 Ohm - Single Subwoofer with Voice Coils
Paralleled for full monophonic output
Frequency Response
35 Hz to 140 Hz, plus or minus 3dB
(on axis)
Sensitivity
89 decibels for 2.83 volts of pink noise,
measured at 1 meter on axis
Overall Exterior Frame Dimensions
10-3/16” x 14-1/4”
Depth Behind Wall
3-3/4” (assumes 1/2” drywall)
Wall Cut-Out Dimensions
9-1/8” x 13-1/8”
Connections
Left and right channel input and outputs via
spring loaded push terminals. Accommodates
up to 14 gauge wire.
19
Specifications
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